Symptom 15. Nausea and Vomiting: The Body’s Distress Signals in Ulcerative Colitis
Nausea and vomiting are distressing symptoms that can occur in individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC). While they may not be as common as other symptoms, they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and indicate underlying inflammation and disease activity.
The exact cause of nausea and vomiting in UC is not fully understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the upper portions such as the stomach and esophagus, can trigger these symptoms. Additionally, the release of inflammatory substances and the body’s immune response to the ongoing inflammation can contribute to feelings of nausea and the urge to vomit.
Nausea is often described as a sensation of queasiness or an uneasy feeling in the stomach. It can range in severity from mild discomfort to persistent and debilitating nausea. Vomiting, on the other hand, is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It is usually preceded by a feeling of nausea and can provide temporary relief from the discomfort.
In ulcerative colitis, nausea and vomiting can be associated with various factors. During disease flare-ups, the increased inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can disrupt normal digestion and the movement of food through the system. This can lead to delayed gastric emptying and an accumulation of stomach contents, triggering nausea and the potential for vomiting.(15)
